End of Summer - Mission Ready

There’s something about the end of summer that brings a shift. The pace changes. The energy refocuses. Whether you took a much-needed break from your job search or simply caught your breath, this is the moment to lean back in—because the year’s not over, and there’s still meaningful ground to cover.

For me, this work is deeply personal. As an Army veteran and the son of a Marine veteran, I’ve seen firsthand how transformational it is when someone believes in your potential—and helps you translate your experience into opportunity.

At Hire Heroes USA, we see this season as pivotal. A time to regroup, re-engage, and recommit to the goals you set at the start of the year—or to set new ones that reflect where you are now. The mission isn’t just about reaching the next milestone; it’s about showing up with intention and building momentum one purposeful step at a time.

As Labor Day approaches, we’re reminded that work is more than a paycheck—it’s a source of purpose, stability, and progress. For veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses, meaningful employment means using your experience to build what comes next. That’s what we’re here for at Hire Heroes USA: to provide support that’s steady, practical, and personalized—especially when you're ready to re-engage.

That’s the kind of support we want every service member to have during transition—and it’s what drives our work every day. You’ve served with strength; now let’s build on that foundation together.

James Gillen, CFRE - Chief Development Officer

On July 4th, longtime board member and Hire Heroes USA champion Carl Meyer continued his powerful tradition of supporting Hire Heroes USA through his annual 100 Holes for Our Heroes golf fundraiser. Now in its 18th year, this event has become one of the longest-running individual fundraisers in our organization’s history. 

Since its inception, Carl’s efforts have raised over $1.9 million—funds that directly fuel our career services and ensure more military families thrive after service.

We are deeply grateful for his commitment, and we salute him for continuing to make July 4th a day of purpose.

Those who would still like to support Carl’s mission can make a donation here.

The event was also featured in recent media coverage, helping amplify the message behind Carl’s efforts and the ongoing need to support the military community. Click the links below to see more and share his story.

The Wall Street Journal: The Golf Manic Who Plays 100 Holes Every Fourth of July—For Veterans

FOX6 News Milwaukee: Carl Meyer Hitting Links to Play 100 Holes of Golf; All for Worthy Cause

CBS58 News Milwaukee: 100 Holes of Golf in One Day? A Wisconsin Golfer Says It’s Worth It for a Good Cause

Wisconsin.Golf: The Sweet Spot: The Indefatigable Carl Meyer

Returning to the workforce after a break? Get mission ready. Todd Yates, Area Manager of the West, shares three proven strategies to help you move forward with confidence. Learn how strengthening your LinkedIn presence, setting clear career goals, and updating your resume for today’s job market can set you up for success. These practical tips are your starting point for a strong comeback. Need help navigating your next step? We’re here for you. Visit our website to get started.

Resilience takes many forms—and few embody it more fully than our 2025 Military Spouse of the Year. Honored for her strength, service, and purpose, Verda Smith continues to lead with clarity and compassion.

Verda is a board-certified Physician Assistant with more than 20 years of experience in patient-centered care. Today, she supports the Medical Evaluation Board at Navy Medical Training Commands, helping ensure service members receive the documentation they need to transition with confidence.

Her path began in Connecticut and led her through the Mayo Clinic before taking root in Jacksonville, Florida. There, she built a career in Family Medicine with a focus on women and children—merging medical expertise with a deep commitment to community health.

After the sudden loss of her husband, Johannes Pollard, Verda made a purposeful shift. She redirected her skills to serve the military community, trading a civilian role for one grounded in shared experience and respect. It wasn’t just a career move—it was a re-commitment.

Verda has brought that same conviction to her volunteer work, both locally and abroad. She has provided care in underserved regions and remains an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. In every space she enters, Verda leads with determination, empathy, and unwavering focus.

Her story is a reminder that readiness isn’t just about preparation—it’s about showing up, especially when it’s hard, and moving forward with intention.

Join us in celebrating Verda Smith—a military spouse whose strength doesn't just carry her forward. It clears the path for others.

Rooted in a legacy of media and philanthropy, the Scripps Family Impact Fund was created as a collaboration between the 4th and 5th generations of the Scripps family, united by a mission to support “big-impact” charitable projects that shape stronger communities for generations to come.

In 2025, the Fund’s focus turned to veteran services—investing in organizations that are driving long-term change for those who have served. Hire Heroes USA is proud to be one of just three veteran-serving nonprofits selected for this year’s grant cycle.

The Scripps Family Impact Fund awarded Hire Heroes USA a $900,000 grant in support of our Partnered Career Transition (PaCT) program. This investment will allow us to scale our personalized career services—empowering more veterans, service members, and military spouses to secure meaningful employment.

We are deeply grateful to the Scripps Family Impact Fund for believing in our mission and for carrying forward a tradition of generosity that is changing lives—one career at a time.

Looking to create meaningful, measurable impact? Let’s work together. Visit our website.

HANX + Harley 2025 Lets Ride Challenge™ Ride for Heroes - Now - October 31, 2025

Mastering LinkedIn: Unlocking Job Opportunities - August 14, 2025

Federal Employment: Introduction to Federal Hiring - August 20, 2025

Mastering LinkedIn: A Recruiter's View - August 27, 2025

Virtual Career Fair - August 28, 2025

Marine Corps Marathon - Arlington, VA - October 26, 2025

August is National Make-A-Will Month.

It’s a time to reflect on how we care for our loved ones and the causes that matter most. Hire Heroes USA is proud to share two free tools from our partner FreeWill: a quick, no-cost way to create your will, and a resource to assign or update beneficiaries for non-probate assets like retirement accounts or life insurance. These simple steps ensure your wishes are honored and your legacy lives on. Click here to make your will today!

As you plan ahead, consider how you can make a lasting impact today. A monthly gift of just $19 helps provide consistent, one-on-one personalized career support for veterans and military spouses nationwide—when and where they need it most. Be a part of the mission.